Two For the Seesaw

My beloved Kansas City Royals became World Series Champions last season in large part due to late-inning heroics. All through the regular season, the playoffs, and the World Series itself, opposing teams marveled at the Royals' ability to mount late challenges, no matter the score. Combine that kind of relentless offense with a shut-down bullpen, and you've got the essence of "Royals Baseball" these days.

That approach was on display last night in the Royals' come-from-behind win against the Twins at Kauffman Stadium. It was a seesaw battle all night. The Royals trailed 1-0, then took a 2-1 lead, saw the game tied, fell behind 3-2, and finally rallied late to pull yet another rabbit out of a hat.

After RHP Luke Hochevar gave up a game-tying base hit in the 7th and RHP Joakim Soria gave up a solo home run in the top of the 8th (in addition to striking out three batters), the Royals were six outs away from defeat when they came to bat in the bottom of the 8th. No problem.

All-Star LF Alex Gordon led off with a single. All-Star C Salvador Perez hit a triple (his first in almost two years) to drive in the tying run. 2B Omar Infante then hit a sac fly
to score Perez. Three batters, two runs, one lead. All-Star closer Wade Davis allowed a lead-off walk in the top of the 9th, but two strikeouts and a ground out later, the Royals were victorious.

The middle game of the series is tonight at 6:15 PM CDT. New Royal Ian Kennedy will take the mound for KC. It would be nice if the Royals could just win in a huge blowout for a change. Just sayin'...

It's a Jungle Out There, Kid

Until Next Time...

As you would expect, there have been many excellent movies and television programs based on the Civil War. Just as there will continue to be books written about it, there will continue to be such theatrical productions. The public appetite for such material appears to be boundless.

The song became so popular in its time that a Confederate version was issued, and it was also featured in some presidential campaigns (notably Abraham Lincoln's in 1864). The song's popularity even resulted in suggestions that it be made our national anthem.

Today's send-off is a simple piano rendition of Root's famous song from the film's soundtrack, arranged and performed by Jacqueline Schwab. Enjoy...

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